Other Related Animal Stories

Jett: A Dolphin ArtistJett is a twelve year old dolphin who paints using a special apparatus. He has a unique ability to express himself through paintings.

Each morning Sarita, along with her older sister Angela, made the long hike to school through dense sub alpine trees and over a deep creek bed. Usually their neighbors, Tomas and Dorinda, traveled with them. Dorinda was in Angela's fourth grade class. Tomas was fairly new to ninth grade, making him the oldest of the group.

Tomas always rode his horse, Trueno, to school. Trueno, whose name means thunder in Spanish, was a handsome creature standing sixteen hands high with a beautiful black mane that flowed back over his ears and neck. Sara loved him and always treated Trueno to a piece of apple each morning.

Tomas would let the girls take turns riding with the magnificent steed to and from school. Some days, he would let Trueno have rein to gallop once they reached the flat plane. Sarita always loved the feeling of power Trueno exhibited as he galloped over the field. He could run! It seemed as if he had wings to fly.

They carried their lunch boxes with them containing the usual burrito de huevos (egg burrito), fruit, and a thermos of water. Dorinda's mother loved to bake so she usually packed a sweet treat and tucked it beneath the fruit. Today, she offered Sarita and Angela each a cinnamon and sugar buñuelo from her box. They all decided to save theirs for the walk home which would make the trip a little more tolerable.

The children entered the edge of the woods from the grassy field with a little apprehension. Last night Sarita and Angela had overheard the hired ranch hands talking about a grizzly bear spotted near the upper north end of the creek bed. The land was dry due to the lack of rain this year resulting in poor crops and the intense heat had killed the fish usually found in abundance in the streams. This, along with the scarcity of white-pine seeds, was cause for concern when it came to bears foraging for food. They talked about how bears would seek out other sources of food when desperate and sometimes that meant small animals or children.

As they started up the path, the girls mentioned this to Tomas and Dorinda. Dorinda gave out a cry of alarm. Tomas, not wanting to frighten the girls, gave a scoff and said, "¡Es un ozo viejo! It's only an old bear." He then turned Trueno into the woods giving him a gentle kick with his heels.

A seven hundred pound grizzly presents a real threat to people during times of drought and food scarcity. | Source

The Grizzly Facts

Did you know?

The grizzly is of the same species as the brown bear.

They are solitary animals, except for females with cubs.

They dig dens for winter.

Females give birth during winter rest, often to twins.

They are large, but have been clocked at 30 miles per hour.

They can be dangerous to humans, especially if surprised.

There are only 1000 grizzlies left in the United States, and they are protected by law

Source: Nationalgeographic.com

Grizzly Encounter!

Half way up the mountain trail Trueno refused to go any further. He snorted and side-stepped backwards towards the girls who were on foot. It was as if he were trying to shield them from something. Suddenly the children heard the rustling of dry leaves and grunting in the distance. Tomas had a better view from atop Trueno and saw a bear weighing about seven hundred pounds, with white-tipped hair and a defined hump between its shoulders. He knew in an instant it was a grizzly. It was trying to turn over a log about a hundred yards to the right of the path.

Tomas knew that they could not all outrun a bear. He had to find a place to hide the older girls while he rode for help with Sarita. A short distance from the path was an old hollowed out tree. Quietly and unnoticed by the bear, he dismounted and instructed Dorinda and Angela to hide inside and to keep quiet. He handed them his hunting knife and said, "Use it only if the bear comes after you." He crouched down, took all the lunch boxes and scattered the food a good ways up the trail to distract the bear from the hiding place. He whistled for Trueno, mounted him and then reached down for Sarita. Placing her in back of him, He told her to hang onto him with all her might.

Trueno needed no urging from Tomas. He turned and flew off in the direction of home. Sarita held on with all her strength to Tomas. She could feel the strength of Trueno as he leapt over small boulders and pounded the clay path with his powerful hooves. Sarita heard Tomas clicking his tongue and talking into Trueno's ear encouraging his flight homeward. Trueno seemed to understand the brevity of the situation and with ears laid back and mane flying, he burst into full speed.

They galloped onto the stable yard and yelled to the men who were attending the horses, "Help! There's a bear up the path!" The men quickly grabbed their guns, mounted the horses and headed for the mountain path. As they came upon the bear, he was pulling at the wrappers on the tossed sandwiches. The grizzly turned to face the men, sensing danger, it stood up to its full eight feet and gave out a low groaning sound. With a few quick shots the bear was put down. Angela and Dorinda came running from the tree, happy to be rescued from danger.

As for Trueno, Sarita gave him an extra piece of apple that evening. She patted his huge, muscled neck and whispered a word of thanks for saving them from possible death.

Tell Us What You Think

Did you enjoy reading horse stories when you were young?

Author's Note

This tale was based upon a true story told to me by my mother. Her family lived on a Montana ranch at the time located at the foot of a mountain. In those days, they had no bus transportation and so they had to walk to school, often through perilous situations. My mother, who owned many horses throughout her life, said the horse was a creature of strength that seemed to have a special connection with his master. The bear in the story had been stalking them a couple of days before this encounter and for the children's safety, had to be destroyed. _______________________________________________

Comments

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sending

renee21 2 years ago

This was an interesting story. Great hub!

Author

Dianna Mendez 3 years ago

Thank you, Sanjay. I have been known to tell a good tale now and then. I love this story my mom shared with me as a child.

Grand old lady, I have admired horses since I was a little girl. They are all that you say. Enjoy your weekend.

Mona Sabalones Gonzalez 3 years agofrom Philippines

Until the day the lion lays with the lamb, I will not love bears very much. But I will always love horses. I loved Black Beauty and always watched the TV show National Velvet. Horses are noble, loving and protective animals.

Sanjay Sharma 3 years agofrom Mandi (HP) India

You are a marvelous story teller.

Author

Dianna Mendez 4 years ago

Rtalloni

Audrey

M Singh

Linda

Fpherj48

Thank you for feedback on the story. I can still hear my mother telling this to me. I may just turn it into a book of tales my mother shared about her experiences on the ranch. Enjoy your day. Blessings.

Paula 4 years agofrom Beautiful Upstate New York

Diana....Goodness, what an exquisite horse! They are such beautiful, graceful and regal creatures. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Also, thanks for the tidbits of info on Mr. Grizzly Bear...(not that I hope to ever meet up with one, any time soon!!)....UP U,I &A tweeted

Linda Bilyeu 4 years agofrom Orlando, FL

Horses are beautiful and amazing creatures. Your story proved that :)

MG Singh 4 years agofrom Singapore

lovely tale

Audrey Hunt 4 years agofrom Idyllwild Ca.

I loved everything about this story! Really had my vivid imagination going and that's when I know the story is good. Beautiful picture of the horse.

I think stories that are "handed down" are just the best. Thank you my friend. ~ Audrey

RTalloni 4 years agofrom the short journey

It is wonderful to read of how beloved family animals can be this valuable! I don't know how I missed this before, but am glad to find it. Haven't yet read through the comments so my suggestion may have already been mentioned, but you could turn this into a wonderful children's book! I love those last passages from Job and the thought of incorporating some of the phrases into such a story would be lovely work! Let me know if you do it… :)

Author

Dianna Mendez 5 years ago

I am so glad you enjoyed the hub, Kate. I always enjoyed hearing my mom's stories of when she lived in the mountains.

Kate McBride 5 years agofrom Donegal Ireland

This is a fascinating story. I really enjoyed reading it.Thanks for sharing this hub.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I like your positive thoughts on this hub, Billips. It did end well. Horses are pretty strong but their strength is in their loyalty. Thank you for stopping in for a visit.

billips 6 years agofrom Central Texas

A very enjoyable tale - it takes a pretty steady horse to hold against a bear's threat - of course it ended the only way it could - B.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Minnetonka, it is good to see you here! Animals are such wise creatures and can bond with a person in friendship. This horse certainly proved this point. Thanks for the votes of support. Have a good day.

Linda Rogers 6 years agofrom Minnesota

Beautifully written story that had me glued from beginning to end. I am so glad it all turned out the way it did. It is amazing how animals and humans can build such strong bonds and understand each other. I also thank you for your Author's Note. It made your story even more powerful. I hit many buttons on this well-written piece of Non-Fiction.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

It was an intense situation for each of them, but the story does have a happy ending. I can only imagine what was going through their minds as they had to wait for help. Good point, Pamela. Thanks for your visit and for leaving a comment. I am so glad you stopped by.

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Those girls must have been so frightened. This is a good story and the picture of that horse is beautiful. Rated awesome.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Charlu, thank you for visiting and I appreciate your votes of support. Glad you found it exciting. It was all that for me as a child!

Charlu 6 years agofrom Florida

Absolutely on the edge of my seat story and what incredible children and horse. I love this story and of course the picture of the horse along with his name. Up, awesome, beautiful, and interesting.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Eiddwen, thank you. I know how busy life gets, so no need to worry. I will look forward to your visit.

Eiddwen 6 years agofrom Wales

I have only just begun to read this one and so interesting!!!

However at the moment I don't have enough time to give it the attention it deserves so I will begin again in the morning and will send you feedback also.

Take care my friend and I wish you a great day.

Eddy.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Wow, you certainly are busy. I am amazed at your stamina! Hugs to you, Becky. :)

Becky Katz 6 years agofrom Hereford, AZ

teaches, Not only am I a mom but my totally disabled husband's caretaker and going to college online. Never have time unless I lose sleep over it. But we all must play occasionally.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

You are a welcome visitor, Becky. I appreciate your stopping in for a visit, don't worry I know mom's have a busy schedule and time is precious! Glad you enjoyed the story and thanks for the follow! Be well and safe.

Becky Katz 6 years agofrom Hereford, AZ

Beautifully told story. The author's note at the end was a nice touch. I will be checking out more of your stories. I am terribly remiss in not getting by sooner.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

We are in agreement on this thought, Magdelene. I have also had pets that seem to think along with you. They are very intelligent and can express themselves well! Thanks for the read, encouragement and visit. Have a great day.

Magdelene 6 years agofrom Okotoks

Hi Teaches, love your story. I grew up with horses myself and will personally say that they are magnificent and intuitive creatures. A little bit of love goes a long way, all horses I have had in my life were considered great friends and seemed to know what I wanted before I did.

It is my belief when we have made true friends with our beloved animals they will do their best to help and aid us, we need only listen to what they are trying to tell us.

Excellent!

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Foremosangirl, that's a good reflection on the story. I guess the bear ate what was easily available first. As I mentioned above, this bear had been tracking them for a few days on their way to and from school. They were always watching out for it. I can't imagine having to go to school through such a dangerous route, but then some of our kids trek through danger every day walking to school in the city. Thanks for your visit, sharing and vote of support. Have a day filled with sunshine!

formosangirl 6 years agofrom Los Angeles

I can imagine the fear of facing a grizzly. On the one hand, the lunchboxes probably attracted the bear, but then, it was used to give them more time to separate from the bear. Great story. Voted up and interested. Shared!

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Hello Journey! That picture does show one of the most beautiful horses I've seen in awhile. They are lovely to watch as they run. Grizzly can weight more than 700 pounds and look very fierce when they are at their peak. Glad you enjoyed the story and thanks for commenting.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

That is the best compliment you can give your mother, Ustad. I remember many of the stories she shared from my mother's childhood and I will get around to retelling most of them eventually. Thanks for the visit and glad you enjoyed the story.

Nyesha Pagnou MPH 6 years agofrom USA

Hi teaches12345,

The first thing that got me here was the picture of the beautiful horse. I love horses. Horses and dogs are some of my favorite animals. We just came back home 2 hrs ago from a ride in the country and I was happy to see several horses not to mention cows, goats, and chickens, a scene I don't always get to see on a daily basis.

I love your descriptive style of writing and the way this story held my interest. The bear was over 700 pounds? - Yikes! "Based on a true story"? - Oh my goodness!

Thanks for a great read.

- Journey *

ustad 6 years agofrom Pakistan

nicely written story and author's note is impressive...

i should recall all the stories too that my mother used to tell me when i was child, and should write hub on them...

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I am glad you enjoyed the read, Sofs. Thank you for reading the hub and for your encouraging comment. Blessings to you also!

sofs 6 years ago

A Beautiful story, said with so much simplicity and emotion. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend! God Bless!

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Cristina, I cannot afford to own one either but I do like to read a good horse story or see a good movie about one. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Blessings!

Maria Cristina Aquino Santander 6 years agofrom Manila

Nice hub which presents a beautiful story very well-written. I do love horses but I cannot afford to own one. Thank you for sharing this here at Hubpages. Blessings to you always. Best regaards.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

That is a good response to hear from a reader and I so appreciate your comment. Thanks for the visit and votes of support. Be well and strong!

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

What a wonderfully told story...and to know that it was based upon fact made it even more interesting. You captured my attention from beginning to end. Voted up and interesting.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I would listen to my mom tell this story while clutching a pillow for safety! I hope your child enjoys the story. Thanks for your comments, visit and encouragement. Be blessed.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Susanm23b,thank you for the feedback and visit. I am glad you enjoyed reading it. It wasn't the three bears but it was close. :)

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I agree with you Debbie. I hate to hear of animals shot for sport. However, I can asure you that they did use the meat as provisions. It was their custom to only hubt and shoot what they could eat. (Kind of was the law of the pioneer back then.) Thanks for reading through the hub and support. I always appreciate hearing from you!

thebookmom 6 years agofrom Nebraska

What a fantastic story! It was so vivid and well written I wondered the whole way through if it was true. I loved the author's note at the end. I can't wait to let my girl read it, she'll love it. Wonderful job.

susanm23b 6 years ago

This was beautifully written :) Your descriptive details and pace make the story very exciting and suspenseful. I can see why this was a childhood favorite of yours. I really enjoyed reading it :) Voted up!

Debbie Roberts 6 years agofrom Greece

This hub was excellently written and kept me captivated until the end. I did feel for the grizzly, but I can also fully understand why it had to be shot.

Excellent hub and shared.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Gifalcone, I appreciate your visit and glad you enjoyed the story. It was one of my favorite bedtime stories.

gjfalcone 6 years agofrom Gilbert, Arizona

Thoroughly enjoyable story. The kind of story I didn't want to end. I especially liked the Author's Note. Nice touch.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Thanks for hopping in Frog Prince! I appreciate your visit and the support. See you around hubpages.

The Frog Prince 6 years agofrom Arlington, TX

Great story and great writing teaches.

TFP

Linda Crampton 6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

This story is interesting, dramatic and beautifully told, teaches12345! Thank you for a very enjoyable read.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Appreciate your vote, Mary. Horses are of great interest to many of us. They are so magnificent.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I thought putting in an author's note at the end was a better placement on this hub. I am glad you agree. Thanks for your views and visit, Christy.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Stories with children and animals are always a great enjoyment to me as well. Your stopping in is a boost to the hub! Thanks, Michele. Blessings.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I appreciate, Katrine, your visit and kind comments. Blessings.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Drbj,your comments are most welcome and appreciated. I am happy to hear it kept your interest. That means lots to me. Blessings.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I too will read horse stories anyday. Thank you, Billybuc, for the supportive comment and visit.

Mary Hyatt 6 years agofrom Florida

I enjoyed this Hub very much. I'm a horse lover and love to read about them. I voted this UP, etc.

Christy Birmingham 6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

I like that at the end of the story you let readers know that your mom told you about the bear encounter story. You tell the story well!

Fascinating tale; how scary that would be for kids. I'm a sucker for horse stories so I had no problem reading this through to the end. Great job!

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

We fellow horselovers know the beauty and strength of such a magnificent creature. I love to read animal recue stories also. Thank you, Sparklea, for your kind comments and vote of support.

Sparklea 6 years agofrom Upstate New York

Love the gorgeous photo of the horse and the quote from the book of Job. I LOVE LOVE LOVE animals, and I love horses. They are so inspiring. Thank you for this beautiful story of heroism...animals are so loyal and protective of their owners. Also the note at the end was a great finale. Voted UP and thank you for inspiring this reader big time! Blessings Sparklea :)

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Thanks for your feedback on the hub and your vote of support. I appreciate hearing from readers how they view the writing content. I decided to write as an observer because it was told to me in this manner. I am glad it works. I agree that family stories are wonderful views into history and if you have them, write them down, and share them with your children.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

My love for horses started when I was a very young child. I used to ask for figurines every birthday and drew them all the time. They are so beautiful. Thanks for the vote of support and the postiive feedback. Blessings.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Oh, thank you, Cleaner3! I appreciate your visit and comment of support. Glad you were able to find the reading pleasurable.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I have been in bear country hiking on a mountain path and I kept an eye out for bear activity, but encountered none. Whew! Thanks for the visit and for leaving such a positive comment. Be blessed today on your journey.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Thanks for your comment and visit, Vellur. Your support is so appreciated! Glad you enjoyed this story. It is my first post/attempt at writing in this fashion.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Thank youm Martyrdom! I am glad you found it enjoyable. Your comment is of great appreciation and encouragement to my writing skills (which I am working on).

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Love your pun and humor! It is refreshing to hear your feedback. I wanted to write in more details but then it would turn into a book. The parents, my mom never mentioned, just the ranchhands who rode to the rescue. Thanks for your visit and comments

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I am glad to hear of your response and that proves worthwhile reading. I so appreciate your encouragement and visit.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

I love animal stories and eventually will post all the ones my mom shared (along with my own) as she grew up in the west. So glad to see you stopped in and thanks for the positive support.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Thanks for your visit and vote of support, jacqui2011, it means lots to me. I am glad you found it enjoyable.

Author

Dianna Mendez 6 years ago

Always a pleasure to see you on my hubs, hyphenbird. I appreciate your vote of interest. Every time my mom told me this story, my hair would stand on end. I only wish I could tell it as well.

DFiduccia 6 years agofrom Las Vegas

Hello teaches 12345,

True stories passed down in a family are always fascinating to the children of the next generation. You bring the event to us in a manner, which allows the reader to become an observer, as the story unfolds. Thanks for sharing. Voted up

Sturgeonl 6 years ago

I really enjoyed this very well written hub. Horses are my favourite animal. Beautiful and captivating tale. Thanks for sharing teaches12345. Voted up!

cleaner3 6 years agofrom Pueblo, Colorado

Great story, very well written. I can see your talent in all forms of writing.

Sky9106 6 years agofrom A beautiful place on earth.

I read the dolphin and it is super and your daughter does a great job. bless.

I was about to say , so yo live in Bear country and whan the authors story blew me up. Lol.

A wonderful story here Teach. It quickly reminded me of something . Keep up the great work.

God bless.

Nithya Venkat 6 years agofrom Dubai

Awesome. You are a true story master. You had me spellbound. Voted up.

Martyrdom 6 years ago

Beautiful story, expertly told!

anndavis25 6 years agofrom Clearwater, Fl.

Like you, teaches. The flare of your words drew me into the story. The last paragraph answered a question for me as I read the story..."Where are the parents?"

Good story...Not too hard, not too soft, but just right (bear pun)

KDF 6 years agofrom Central Illinois

Whew! That was my first reaction. How intense. Great story, nice discriptions and energy behind your words.

Great job

jacy albertson 6 years agofrom Lake Mary, Fl

I liked this story. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen, next. I guess I was captivated. (I lot for me Lol) I liked your personal note at the end. Very well written. Voting up

jacqui2011 6 years agofrom Norfolk, UK

What a wonderful story, and had me captivated from start to finish. Well written and very gripping. Voted up interesting and beautiful.

Brenda Barnes 6 years agofrom America-Broken But Still Beautiful

This is really full of drama and made me want to skim ahead to find out what happened. I like your note at the end also giving the reader more information. Vote up and interesting. Thanks.

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